I love getting to know my clients. Moms-to-be, mermaids, entrepreneurs, freedivers, astrophysicists. Y’all are a pretty fascinating group of people.
On the flip side, I’m an introvert and don’t feel like I’m especially interesting. Talking about myself doesn’t come naturally.
But trust in your photographer is crucial for an amazing portrait session — especially underwater. I want you to feel comfortable and confident on the day of your shoot. I want to answer any questions you have about me, my approach, and what to expect from your Coral + Pine experience.
Below are some of the questions I get asked often. If you’ve got a question that’s not on there (or just want to discuss the most recent season of Below Deck), drop it in the comments.
How’d you get started in underwater photography? I never totally outgrew my childhood dream of being a marine biologist. Life had other plans for me, but at 26 I finally became SCUBA certified then certified in freediving soon after. I started exploring oceans, quarries, creeks...wherever I could get some practice in.
My wife, Lizzy, is a hard pass on deep water. She prefers to snorkel on the surface (or, better yet, hang out on the shore with a book). I wanted to share the amazing things I was seeing with her, so I got an underwater camera to take with me.
Animals like these sea turtle have always drawn me to the water
When the pandemic hit, I kept my diving and outdoor excursions local. Astrid Kallsen — a phenomenal model with years of underwater experience — happened to be coming through the Chattanooga area. I can’t overstate how lucky I was to have her as the subject for my first ever underwater portrait session. I loved the images from that day and knew I wanted to try more.
Do you prefer to shoot in freshwater or in the ocean? Freshwater. Working mainly out of the Southeast (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida), I have more experience with freshwater, so the conditions are more predictable to me. Plus it normally gives you a beautiful and unique setting for split shots or out-of-water shots.
Plus when everything comes together, we can get some gorgeous golden tones like this image that was captured in Chattanooga, TN
How long can you hold your breath? A little over 3 minutes. Thanks, freediving!
Fun Fact: This is one of the very few photos I have of myself. That’s the blessings/struggle of being the photographer. Photo is from the Florida Springs
Favorite place you’ve ever shot? The Bahamas. Lizzy wants to go back and get some pictures with Exuma’s legendary swimming pigs, so that’s on our travel list this year.
What is the hardest part about shooting underwater? Timing. I have to be ready to capture the image when it presents itself. So many factors just aren’t replicable if you miss the moment — current, hair, fabric, breath, light. Everything has to come together.
Do you photograph above water? Even though that’s not usually why people contact me, I do. One of my favorite out-of-water shoots recently was a family portrait session for some Lord of the Rings fans. Their three-year-old son was dressed as a Hobbit, and we did the shoot in the North Georgia mountains right as fall was starting. It can be fun to switch it up sometimes.
When you book an underwater session with me, you’ll get a discount that can be applied toward an out-of-water shoot.
I know you love doing wildlife photography, too. What would be your bucket list capture? A humpback whale with her calf would be incredible.
When you’re not taking photos, what are you up to? Brazilian jiu jitsu, birdwatching, and hiking. But also eating ice cream and binge-watching “Below Deck.”
Now that you know a little more about me, I’d love to learn more about you and what your vision is for an underwater session. Let’s set up a time to chat.